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Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, common in parts of India. It causes prolonged fever and needs antibiotics.
Causes & risk factors
- Infection with Salmonella Typhi bacteria
- Contaminated food or drinking water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Eating food handled by an infected person
- Close contact with a carrier
Common symptoms
- Prolonged, stepwise fever
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and tiredness
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Poor appetite
Tests & diagnosis
- Widal test
- Blood culture (most reliable)
- Full blood count (CBC)
- Stool/urine culture
Treatment & management
- A full course of antibiotics as prescribed
- Rest, fluids and fever control
- Light, easily digested food
- Completing the whole course to prevent relapse
- Vaccination and safe water/food to prevent it
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe abdominal pain or bloody stools — urgent care
- Confusion, drowsiness or persistent vomiting — emergency
- Fever lasting more than a few days without improving
- Signs of dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about typhoid fever. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid typhoid?
Drink safe or boiled water, eat freshly cooked hot food, wash hands well and consider vaccination, especially before travel to high-risk areas.
Is the Widal test enough to diagnose typhoid?
The Widal test can support the diagnosis but is not fully reliable on its own. A blood culture is the more accurate test.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.